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Early production displays depth despite late season injuries
Kirk Bell
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JOSH RASMUSSEN/THE ARBITER Junior linebacker Derrell Acrey celebrates following an interception against the Idaho Vandals during their annual rivalry.
The injury bug has proven to be an adversary of many college football teams late in the season. The Boise State Broncos have faired quite well considering they have played 10 of 13 games thus far. But the defense hasn’t been prone to that bug as of yet.
The linebackers
“Knock on wood,” sophomore linebacker Aaron Tevis said of injuries.
Tevis has struggled in the past with injuries and still battles through the pain persisting problems. Sharing time with freshman linebacker, J.C. Percy, has proven effective and an efficient use of young talent.
“First of all you don’t get as tired,” Tevis said. “You get a couple of breaks, a couple of series off. That helps a lot to go 100 percent in the game. And definitely helps with staying healthy. I’m definitely an injury prone guy but staying healthy this year has definitely helped me a lot.”
Tevis has 34 tackles this season with five tackles for loss. He has also stepped into the role of a hands-savvy backer. He’s recorded three interceptions this season.
Percy has 42 tackles – three of which are for loss – and one forced fumble.
To emphasize the relationship the line backers have with one another, it would be an understatement to call it competitive. The six major contributors – Percy, Tevis, Derrell Acrey, Tommy Smith, Hunter White and Daron Mackey have seen consistent action all season between the two available linebacker positions. Combined, the leading linebackers have recorded 172 tackles, seven interceptions and 15 tackles for loss for negative 48 yards this season.
The defensive line
Much like the linebackers, the defensive line has shown they are running deep with talent. The Broncos have rotated 10 guys who have contributed statistically in some way; yet another way to stay fresh on the field as the season progresses.
Often, injuries would allow for other guys to step in and showcase their talent. With the lack of injury in the initial point of contact that is the defensive line and traditional injury-prone positions of defensive tackle and defensive end, it is somewhat a curious matter why there has been so much defensive line production from so many athletes this season. But in this case, it has been due to BSU’s ability to showcase vast talent due to depth.
“We have great coaches and great athletes on the team,” junior defensive tackle Billy Winn said. “It just opens it up for other guys to play. These guys have been waiting for a long time to get on the field and have their chance to shine. It’s gonna be amazing. They’re excited to play. I just can’t wait to see them out there.”
The Broncos’ defense has stepped up in the turnover category. BSU has forced 16 turnovers during its past four games – seven coming against rival Idaho – following a two-game turnover drought against UC-Davis and Tulsa earlier this season. Much of this can be traced back to the defensive line applying pressure on quarterbacks and running backs behind the line of scrimmage.
“For a team to get to cause seven turnovers, that’s a great stride,” Winn said. “Showing the productivity of the defense. For us to get that many is a great attribute.”
Prior, the Broncos had 13 turnovers during their first four games.
Defensive backs
Though there hasn’t been an apparent showcasing of depth at defensive back as with the D-line and linebackers, sparks of production have shown through. What they haven’t displayed in depth, they make up for in talented play and progressive playmakers.
Boise State has only seen one player sit in the defensive backs corps with sophomore cornerback Jerrell Gavins filling the large shoes of senior cornerback Kyle Wilson.
Wilson has three interceptions and two pick-6’s in the past three games.
Gavins had five tackles while standing in for Wilson against UC-Davis. He has 21 tackles this season.
The defensive backs have 14 interceptions and three forced fumbles as a group this season.
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